Free Thanksgiving Dinners For Those in Need

With Thanksgiving happening so soon after the hurricane devastation, many area do-gooders have stepped in to offer you a place to go for a hot Thanksgiving meal and fellowship with others. Here are some of them:

The charity You Cannot Be Replaced is holding a free Thanksgiving dinner at the Manasquan Elks Lodge on Stockton Lake Blvd. on Thursday from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, plus family fun and music. BYOB and appetites. Please stop by the Elks and pick up a ticket so that they have a head count. If you can't pick up a ticket, call Kris at 732-547-0380. Follow SquanStrong on Facebook for more information.

Edgars Pub, Sea Girt Ave., Manasquan, is holding "Friendsgiving". It's a free Thanksgiving dinner and you're invited. Served by employees and families donating their time and services. Please call ahead to ensure your table and so they can get a head count. 732-449-4114

Residents of Sea Bright are invited to a free Thanksgiving Day Brunch at Gibbs Hall at Forth Monmouth from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving. McLoone's Restaurants will be donating the food for the brunch and the staff will be volunteering their time to serve those of Sea Bright. (Call 908-489-1538 for more information.)

Door 21 Foundation is hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner for families affected by Sandy and for first responders and volunteers. Noon - 6 p.m. (dinner will be served from 1 - 5) at the American Legion, 2025 Church St., Toms River.) Free food, kid's games and activities, door prizes.

A free Thanksgiving gathering will take place on WEDNESDAY, Nov. 21st, at 5 p.m. at the Point Pleasant Beach Elks Lodge on Arnold Ave. No reservations necessary. Support provided by Surf Taco, 709, Martell's Tiki Bar, Spano's, Hoffman's, Bubbakoo's, Longboard Grill, and more.

And a woman with a daughter who suffered in the hurricane has started a Facebook group: "A Place at the Table, A Thanksgiving Table Share." The website aims to match people who have been displaced by the storm, or workers who may be away from their families because they have come here to help with relief efforts - with people who may need a Thanksgiving dinner this week.